'Luke Duke' actor to perform concert for autism awareness

Tom Wopat concert to be held at Goucher College next week

The man who played Luke Duke on the iconic show "The Dukes of Hazzard" is taking on a different role in an effort to help raise autism awareness.

Actor Tom Wopat said he has a nephew who was diagnosed with autism, so he's using his celebrity to bring awareness to the cause.

Wopat, who has been on Broadway and is a two-time Tony Award nominee, will be in Baltimore next week to take part in a special benefit concert at Goucher College. Money raised from the concert will go toward the group Pathfinders for Autism and the Saint Elizabeth School.

Wopat said autism is something that's close to his heart.

"It's something that is difficult and hard to define, and I think that's why, a lot of times, it gets the short end of the stick as far as money being donated for research goes. They're trying to really figure out how to best integrate these individuals into the community," Wopat told 11 News.

The one-night-only production will feature a mix of seasonal and Broadway favorites performed by Wopat and his eight-piece band of New York City players.